'''Ordination''' is a [[Holy Mysteries|sacrament]] (or one of the [[holy mysteries]]) of [[holy orders]]. The Greek word used for ordination is "cheirotonia", which means "the laying on of hands". Members of a [[Major orders|major order]]—[[bishop]], [[priest]], and [[deacon]]—are ordained during a [[Divine Liturgy]] by a bishop, who is usually assisted by several priests. According to Orthodox teaching, the process of ordination begins with the local [[congregation]]; but the bishop alone, who acts in the name of the universal Church, can complete the action.

'''Ordination''' is a [[Holy Mysteries|sacrament]] (or one of the [[holy mysteries]]) of [[holy orders]]. The Greek word used for ordination is "cheirotonia", which means "the laying on of hands". Members of a [[Major orders|major order]]—[[bishop]], [[priest]], and [[deacon]]—are ordained during a [[Divine Liturgy]] by a bishop, who is usually assisted by several priests. According to Orthodox teaching, the process of ordination begins with the local [[congregation]]; but the bishop alone, who acts in the name of the universal Church, can complete the action.

Ordination is a sacrament (or one of the holy mysteries) of holy orders. The Greek word used for ordination is "cheirotonia", which means "the laying on of hands". Members of a major order—bishop, priest, and deacon—are ordained during a Divine Liturgy by a bishop, who is usually assisted by several priests. According to Orthodox teaching, the process of ordination begins with the local congregation; but the bishop alone, who acts in the name of the universal Church, can complete the action.

Contents

Subdiaconate

Diaconate

Priesthood

During the service of ordination to the priesthood, a priest leads the candidate, then kneels and rests his head on the altar. The bishop puts his stole and right hand over the candidate's head as the candidate receives the Holy Spirit. The entire congregation witnesses the ordination and proclaims its consent by shouting in unison "Axios!" (Greek word meaning 'worthy'). The bishop bestows sacred vestments on the new priest, who receives communion and recites a special prayer. Through ordination, men who have been chosen from within the Church are set apart by the Church for special service to the Church. Much of the time, a candidate for ordination will pursue preparatory studies at a seminary.